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Author Notes: I am a sucker for black pepper. I started adding it to my favorite extra-gooey chocolate cookies for certain get togethers (these are definitely cookies for the grown-up crowd). Dried cherries offset the spiciness and of course are delish with the dark chocolate. (Base for cookie recipe adapted from Baking and Pastry by the Culinary Institute of America). - erinmcdowell

Makes about a dozen cookies

1 1/4ounces all purpose flour

3/4teaspoon baking powder

pinch salt

2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

2 1/4ounces unsweetened chocolate

8 ounces good dark chocolate (60% region is good)

1 1/2 ounces butter

3 eggs

8 ounces sugar

1teaspoon vanilla extract

5ounces dried cherries, roughly chopped

6ounces good dark chocolate, chopped into chunks

Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper together.

Melt the chocolates and butter together over a double boiler. Remove from the heat and cool slightly (should still be fluid but not too hot).

In the bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the eggs, sugar, and vanilla together until combined. Increase to medium speed and mix until the mixture is pale and thick, about 4-5 minutes.

Gently fold in the chocolate mixer, and mix to combine. Add the dry ingredients gradually, mixing just to combine. Fold in the cherries and and chocolate chunks.

Scoop the dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet, and press down the dough slightly. Bake in a 350 degree oven until set around the edges (they will still appear very soft in the middle, but will set as they cool), about 10-12 minutes (this is using a large cookie scoop, keep an eye on the first batch depending on how big you're making your cookies). Do not overbake - these cookies are wonderfully ooey-gooey when baked just until set with a crackled surface. Cool on a wire rack.